Innovation and Leadership

Change is something that is constant. Innovation is the action or process of innovating (make changes in something established, especially by introducing new methods, ideas, or products). Looking at the life of David, we may be able to see practical ways of adapting to change through innovation and leadership. There are three things we should consider when we talk about innovation.

First time to preach to the high school department of PCGS, my alma mater. (Photos courtesy of my teacher: Sir Sayson.)

#1 Trust.

David was called a man after God’s own heart. He trusted God even if a lot of times he did waver. He knew who to turn into when things were uncertain. Five out of six psalms about trusting God were from David.

…And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you. (Psalm 9:10)

…Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. (Psalm 20:7)

…But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, “You are my God.” (Psalm 31:14)

…When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. (Psalm 56:3)

Here’s the big idea…

Trust God even when things are uncertain.He has a plan in mind, we may not understand.

The question then is, who do we trust? Can we trust God with everything we got?

#2 Collaborate.

David partnered with a lot of people in his lifetime. Here are some of them:

Samuel. (1 Samuel 16:1-13)

David’s mentor. He was the one who anointed David, guided David in his early years. A mentor helps us through their experiences and their wisdom. Find one.

Saul. (1 Samuel 16:14-23)

Even if Saul became David’s enemy, there was a time when David spent time in the palace. It was in this period where David learned court etiquettes, manners and customs, and David spent a great deal at the palace working with Saul.

Jonathan. (1 Samuel 18:1-4)

David’s best friend. He was someone whom David could lay his heart out. Jonathan gave David everything that was valuable for him. Jonathan knew he was never gonna be king, but instead of reacting, he supported David.

His Mighty Men. (2 Samuel 23:8-39)

The Bible recorded amazing feats. You have Joe Bass (Josheb-Basshebeth) who singlehandedly killed 800 men in one encounter (think…Incredible hulk, you don’t want to mess with this guy). You have Eli (Eleazar) who stood his ground until his hand grew tired and froze to the sword (think…wolverine, instead of claws…sword!). Then you have Sham (Shammah) who defended a field of beans and had a great victory over the Philistines. And to think, Sham’s name means desolation or waste. Who would call a child, waste?

Some were on offense and others were on defense. Joe Bass and Eli were on the offensive while Sham was more on the defensive. But whatever their task was, they did it without any news of them complaining or comparing with each other. (From my journal [August 7, 2011])

Here’s the big idea…

If you want to walk fast, walk alone.If you want to walk far, walk together.

Ask yourself this: Do we partner with people or do we walk alone? There is no lone ranger in God’s kingdom. To innovate means to collaborate with people who have the same mindset as we do.

#3 Upgrade.

Upgrading means to keep on learning. David started with a staff and a sling. He used a sling to kill Goliath. But he progressed to using swords. David learned the art of sword making from the Philistines.

David lived in caves, but moved when he could. David learned to use strategy too (2 Samuel 8, 10).

The New Testament also tells us to grow (in a way, upgrade) as 2 Peter 3:18 says, “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”

Here’s the big idea…

The price of doing the same old thing is far higher than the price of change.

As we go through different innovations, come back to the source, God. He has given us the Bible…

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. (2 Tim. 3:16-17)

The Bible isn’t just a book, it is relevant today! Take time to read and upgrade yourself by soaking in God’s word.